We dine in half an hour." Charlie was soon in his bath, a luxury which, in India, every European indulges in at least twice a day.

Then in his cool white suit, which at that time formed the regular evening dress, he found his way to the drawing room.

Here he was introduced to the merchant's wife, and to his daughter, a girl of some thirteen years old, as well as to several guests who had arrived for dinner.
The meal was a pleasant one, and Charlie, after being cooped up for some weeks on board ship, enjoyed it much.

A dinner in India is, to one unaccustomed to it, a striking sight.

The punkah waving slowly to and fro, overhead, drives the cool air which comes in through the open windows down upon the table.